Isle of Wight Steam Railway

Transport

The Isle of Wight Steam Railway is a heritage railway running between Smallbrook Junction, where it connects with the Island Line, and Wootton. The railway operates restored steam locomotives and vintage carriages on a route that passes through attractive countryside.

The railway preserves a section of the former Ryde to Newport line, which was part of the island's once-extensive rail network. At its peak, the island had railways connecting most major towns, but the Beeching cuts of the 1960s closed all but the Ryde to Shanklin line. The preservation society saved this section and has operated it as a heritage attraction since 1971.

The main station at Havenstreet has a railway museum, locomotive shed, signal box and refreshment rooms. Visitors can watch restoration work in progress. The railway runs regular services from Easter to October, with special events including Thomas the Tank Engine days, Santa specials and wartime re-enactments.

The journey takes approximately 25 minutes each way, passing through woodland and farmland. Havenstreet station has been carefully preserved in period style. The railway's collection includes locomotives and rolling stock spanning over a century of island rail history.

The railway is run largely by volunteers and is one of the island's most popular family attractions. It connects with the mainline Island Line at Smallbrook Junction, allowing visitors to arrive by train from Ryde.